Mysterious night lizards are the only known terrestrial vertebrates that survived the catastrophic asteroid impact that ended the reign of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. A recent study published on June 25, 2025, reveals that these resilient creatures thrived near the Gulf of Mexico before and after the disaster, showcasing their remarkable evolutionary journey.
- Night lizards survived the asteroid impact.
- They are endemic to North and Central America.
- Their slow metabolism may aid survival.
- Ancestry traced back to Cretaceous period.
- Two lineages of night lizards persisted.
- Only terrestrial vertebrates surviving near impact.
Researchers found that night lizards, belonging to the family Xantusiidae, were uniquely positioned to endure the mass extinction event. While 75% of Earth’s species vanished, these lizards managed to persist, likely due to their slow metabolisms and specialized habitats. How did they achieve this survival? This question remains a focal point for scientists.
The survival of night lizards raises intriguing questions about evolutionary adaptability. What specific traits allowed them to endure such a catastrophic event? Consider these points:
- Night lizards have slow metabolisms, reducing their food requirements.
- They inhabit specialized microhabitats, providing refuge from environmental changes.
- Two distinct lineages of night lizards emerged post-impact, showcasing evolutionary diversification.
As research continues, understanding the survival mechanisms of night lizards could illuminate broader patterns of resilience in other species, paving the way for future scientific advancements.
